Region

Comprised of three counties – Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester – the Charleston region is a highly diverse market, strategically located on the Atlantic coast half-way between New York and Miami. The region, which covers more than 3,100 square miles (8,192 kilometers), combines a thriving economy, rich history and breathtaking environment to offer an outstanding business climate and a quality of life that is second to none.
The region’s emergence as a world-recognized destination for manufacturing, innovation and research is now paralleling our national and international reputation as a top travel, tourism and food mecca. With access to the global marketplace through its logistics and transportation system and a diverse portfolio of location opportunities, the Charleston region offers the right combination for business.

The continued ranking of the region as both a top business and visitor destination attest to the economic vitality of the area and thriving economic base.

The area’s economic mix is diverse, combining one of the busiest container ports along the Southeast and Gulf coasts, an internationally recognized visitor industry, one of the Southeast’s most impressive medical hubs, a well-established base of national and international manufacturers, as well as a large military presence. Arts, recreational and cultural opportunities are abundant including: museums, music, dance and theater, water sports, golf, hunting, fishing, horseback riding and more.

Charleston ranked #7 for Where the Jobs Will be in 2015

With a net employment outlook of 21%, Charleston tied for #7 alongside Austin, El Paso, San Jose and Seattle on the Forbes list for Where The Jobs Will Be in 2015. More than 18,000 U.S. employers in the top 100 metro areas were surveyed. Forbes

#1 Travel Destination in the United States

Charleston was voted #1 Best City in the United States for the fourth year in a row and #2 World’s Best City due to its amenities and lifestyle attributes, according to Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice survey. Condé Nast

Charleston ranked #12 Greatest Places to Live in America

Outside Magazine used factors such as the number of outfitters, miles of trails and number of bike shops as well as unemployment rates, median incomes and an editors’-choice variable to determine a place’s livability. Outside Magazine, August 2014

#9 U.S. Metro for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Charleston ranks 9th among top U.S. metros for high FDI intensity, with foreign-owned firms offering 7.2% of jobs, compared to 5% for the U.S. The report shows a sizable jump in foreign investment and employment in the Charleston region over time. Brookings Global Cities Initiative Report, June 2014

Top 12 technology hubs in America

Charleston made StateTech’s list of the top twelve tech hubs in America that are “nipping on Silicon Valley’s heels” based on the city’s ranking in the Top 10 fastest growing cities for software and internet technology. StateTech Magazine, November 2013